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The Final Stretch of the Via Francigena
The Final Stretch of the Via Francigena is a 7-day, 6-night self-guided gravel tour in Puglia from Polignano a Mare to Santa Maria di Leuca, with five easy-to-moderate riding days along the Adriatic and down through Salento. On the way you pass Monopoli, the Roman site of Egnazia, Ostuni, the Torre Guaceto reserve, baroque Lecce, the Grecìa Salentina and Otranto. It is the last section of the ancient pilgrims' road that runs from Canterbury to Rome and on to the heel of Italy.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Polignano a Mare
Arrive at your own pace in Polignano a Mare, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Its old town of narrow lanes and whitewashed houses sits on a cliff above crystal-clear water – the perfect setting for a first evening stroll. Overnight in Polignano a Mare.
- Day 2
Polignano a Mare – Ostuni
55 km · +400 m
After the bike handover and briefing you follow the coast to Monopoli and its picturesque old harbour, then ride past the Archaeological Park of Egnazia, an important port in Roman times. From Savelletri the route leaves the sea and winds through ancient olive trees up to Ostuni, the White Town. Overnight in Ostuni.
- Day 3
Ostuni – Brindisi
50 km · +180 m
You pass the small medieval village of Carovigno and its castle, then ride through olive groves down to the sea at the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve. A coastal route brings you into Brindisi, a crossroads of peoples since antiquity and once the main port of embarkation for the Holy Land. Overnight in Brindisi.
- Day 4
Brindisi – Lecce
48 km · +230 m
Country lanes across Salento lead you past Valesio, an ancient Messapian and Roman settlement, the village of Torchiarolo and the medieval Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate. In Lecce, baroque stonework covers palace doorways and church façades, with the Basilica of Santa Croce as its finest example. Overnight in Lecce.
- Day 5
Lecce – Otranto
62 km · +250 m
The day's first stop is the fortified village of Acaya. You continue through Martano and Carpignano in the Grecìa Salentina, where a Greek dialect is still spoken, and Giurdignano with its dolmens and menhirs. The stage ends in Otranto, Italy's easternmost town, with its precious cathedral and Aragonese castle. Overnight in Otranto.
- Day 6
Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca
55 km · +430 m
The last leg of the Via Francigena runs between dry-stone walls and past many churches and wayside chapels, through Uggiano La Chiesa, Tricase and Gagliano del Capo. It ends at the Cape of Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of Puglia, at the sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca.
- Day 7
Santa Maria di Leuca
After breakfast your tour comes to an end. Arrivederci Puglia!
Tour details
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Tour type
- Self-guided gravel tour, with navigation app
- Area
- Salento
- Distance
- 270 km
- Level
- Easy to moderate
- Departures
- Daily
- Participants
- Minimum 2
- Accommodation
- 6 nights in B&Bs or 3* hotels (Economy category) or in 4*/5* hotels (Deluxe category).
- Meals
- Breakfast every day. Lunches and dinners are not included.
- Bikes
- Gravel bike, E-bike
Prices and services
Prices per person in a double room
| Category | Low season | Mid season | High season |
|---|---|---|---|
| EconomyB&B / 3* hotel | € 1,000 | € 1,120 | € 1,295 |
| Deluxe4*/5* hotel | € 1,300 | € 1,645 | € 1,995 |
Seasons
| Season | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Low season | 7 Jan – 31 Mar · 7 Apr – 31 May · 21 Sep – 21 Dec | 7 Jan – 21 Mar · 5 Apr – 18 Apr · 3 May – 31 May · 21 Sep – 21 Dec |
| Mid season | 1 Jun – 13 Jul · 25 Aug – 20 Sep | 22 Mar – 4 Apr · 19 Apr – 2 May · 1 Jun – 12 Jul · 25 Aug – 20 Sep |
| High season | 28 Mar – 6 Apr · 14 Jul – 24 Aug · 22 Dec – 6 Jan | 13 Jul – 24 Aug · 22 Dec – 6 Jan |
Included in the price
- 6 nights' accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Gravel bike rental
- Bike equipment: rear pannier and lock (helmet and water bottle on request*)
- Repair kit: spare inner tube, pump, tyre lever
- Luggage transfers from one accommodation to the next
- Access to our navigation app with preloaded GPS tracks, roadbook and practical and tourist information
- Telephone assistance
- *Reduce waste: we encourage you to bring your own helmet and refillable water bottle. If you need them, just let us know in advance.
- Travel insurance (medical and luggage) – see the insurance information
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Airport transfers (available on request)
- Minivan support
- Tourist taxes
- Anything not listed under “What's included”
Supplements
| Single room | +30% on the base price |
| Single traveller (bookings for 1 participant only, to cover per-person logistics costs) | € 315 |
| August supplement (1–24 Aug), Economy | € 215 per person |
| August supplement (1–24 Aug), Deluxe | € 435 per person |
| E-bike rental | € 140 per bike |
Prices are per person in a double room and based on a minimum of 2 participants. Travelling solo? You are welcome: the single traveller supplement applies.
Bikes available for this tour
Gravel bike
E-bikeRoute map
Questions about this tour
How long is the tour and how much does it cost?
7 days and 6 nights, from €1,000 per person in the Economy category (B&Bs and 3* hotels, low season, double room). The Deluxe category with 4*/5* hotels starts at €1,300.
Where does the tour start and end, and how do I get there?
It starts in Polignano a Mare and ends in Santa Maria di Leuca. Bari airport is the most convenient for arrival and Brindisi airport for your flight home; airport transfers are not included but can be arranged on request.
How difficult is it and how many kilometres will I ride?
Easy to moderate: 270 km in 5 riding days, between 48 and 62 km a day with 180 to 430 m of climbing. Regular cycling fitness is enough; experience on mixed surfaces helps.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn are ideal. In 2026 low season runs 7 Jan–31 Mar, 7 Apr–31 May and 21 Sep–21 Dec; from 1 to 24 August a supplement of €215 (Economy) or €435 (Deluxe) per person applies.
Which bikes are available? Can I ride an e-bike?
Yes. A gravel bike with aluminium frame, carbon fork, disc brakes, 28" wheels and rear rack is included, and an e-bike is available for €140.
What is included in the price?
6 nights with breakfast, gravel bike with pannier, lock and repair kit, daily luggage transfers, our navigation app with GPS tracks and roadbook, luggage and medical insurance and telephone assistance.
